La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly weighing up the prospect of signing Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Jan Oblak is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is also a target for other European bigwigs like Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Jab Oblak has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe since joining Atletico Madrid from SL Benfica in July 2014. The 29-year-old has a fantastic record of 168 clean sheets in 338 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, conceding 259 goals in the process.
But 2021/22 has been a difficult season for Oblak, who has been error-prone in his performances. As a result, doubts are starting to emerge over his long-term future at Atletico Madrid, with several high profile clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, closely monitoring his situation.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the inconsistencies of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Like his Atletico Madrid counterpart, the German international has endured a sharp decline in performance levels lately, costing Barcelona crucial points in the process.
While recent reports have claimed that Barcelona are unlikely to cash in on ter Stegen, several clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, have been linked with him. If ter Stegen were to depart, Barcelona would need to enter into the transfer market for a replacement, making Oblak a viable target.
The 29-year-old has been well off his best this season, but he is still regarded as one of the best goalkeepers on the continent. But Barcelona will need to fend off stiff competition from other European giants, with Bayern Munich and Juventus also showing interest in snaring him away from Atletico Madrid.
The Slovenian goalkeeper could also be an economical acquisition for Barcelona and his other prospective suitors, as his Atletico Madrid contract will run out in a little under 18 months. With Los Rojiblancos uncertain of offering him a new contract, it will not be surprising to see Oblak joining a new club in the summer. If Barcelona are not that club, the Blaugrana could set sights on Luis Maximiano, another key target for them.
